Pulsar 220 or Karizma FI

In last couple of years we have observed a clear shift from 100cc to 125cc / 150cc bikes and 150cc to 180 to 220cc performance oriented bikes. Altough the first question a average Indian commuter asks while going for a new bike is "Average kitna hai?" (whats the fuel economy), the priority for our Desi-Biker has now changed. He expects power, performance, riding comfort, features and technology. This is surely a welcome sign and as the demand for such bike grows we will surely see world class bikes being imported or manufactured in India.

Recently i have received lots of queries like:

Hi,
I got your e-mail id from the confused programmer website.
I am about to buy a bajaj pulsar 220 in jan 2008.But some of my friends and some information on the internet suggests that a few indian bike manufacturers are taking over some european giants like ducati,triumph,etc.
Since i have a budget of around 1.5 lakhs and this is the only bike i will be using for a long time i want to make a good investment.can you pls let me know if actually any of these deals might work out and could launch a bike in 2008 in my budget.And pls let me know if my choice of going for a bajaj p220 is good or not or should i go for the new karizma f1 or others if any pls suggest.
I hope you will reply soon.
-Yours sincerely,
Ishan M.

So question usually the question is Pulsar220 vs Karizma FI and in this case we are also considering any future launches from Ducati,Triumph, KTM, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki.

Following are few points that we all can consider before making any decision:

• Karizma Fi is not yet launched and there is no confirmed news from anywhere that it will ever be launched.
  
• The Pulsar 220 Dtsi is by far the best Indian bike we have right now and much more advanced and powerful than any other bikes including Karizma R. (Keeping aside the Bullets and Kinetic Comet).
• Bajaj was earlier in talks with Ducati and Triumph, but no updates on that.
  
• Bajaj recently acquired a 17% stake in KTM. 250cc to 990cc bikes like super duke would be available in pro biking showrooms from mid next year. But these would be purely imports and imports attract a duty of 105%. Even the 250cc bike from KTM is expected to cost 2 lakh upwards.
• Yamaha R1 which costs about 5 lakhs in the foreign market will costs 11 lakhs here. Harley Davidson has dropped its plans for India because of such high import duties. So any bike like Yamaha YZFR125 / Ninja 250 / CBR 125 will all cost 3lakhs+ in India even if imported by any of the Indian company. No company has any confirmed plans of jointly manufacturing them in India.

So Bajaj definitely have plans of manufacturing bikes 300cc to 600cc with tech from KTM and Kawasaki but i don't see anything hitting the roads in next 2 years at the very least.


Related Links:-
1)Bajaj Pulsar DTS FI 220cc
2) 2008 Honda CBR1000
3) Super Bikes Comming soon
4) Yamaha R1 and MT01 in India
5) 2008 Kawasaki Ninja250R
5) Yamaha YZF-R125 VS Honda CBR125 VS Kymco KR Sport
6) Harley Davidson
7) Bajaj acquires stake in KTM
8) Bajaj chasing Ducati, Triumph
9) Bajaj likely to acquire Triumph

2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

One look at the new Ninja 250R tells everyone that this bike is the genuine article. With a new full-fairing similar to the Ninja ZX-6R and -10R supersport bikes, a single kicked-up muffler, UNI-TRAK® rear suspension, high-performance petal disc brakes and a dual seat, this is the most stylish performer in its category.
The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R is priced at $3,499 and is available in four colors: Lime Green, Ebony, Passion Red, and Candy Plasma Blue.
Unfortunately there are not even any rumors of this babe visiting India anytime soon. Importing it here would cost a Bomb (3 Lakhs approx. including duty and taxes). I wish Bajaj imports the technology from Kawasaki and manufactures the Ninja 250R in India. The Ninja at around 3499$ if available in India would be quite a deal.
Update:-Kawasaki superbikes to available in India
Pictures of 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

courtesy:- About.com

2008 Kawasaki Ninja® 250R Features and Benefits

DOHC 249cc Parallel Twin-cylinder Engine

- Compact parallel-twin design offers good mass centralization for superior handling
- Tuned to deliver smooth, step-free power with an emphasis on low- and mid-range power for rider-friendly response
- Pistons feature reinforced heads and strengthening in the pin boss area for increased durability
- Thick piston (longitudinally) rings help minimize oil consumption
- Combustion chamber design optimized to maximize combustion efficiency and reduce emissions
- Ample high-rpm performance will please riders using the full range of the engine

Cylinder head
- Refined intake and exhaust ports contribute to good off-idle response and smooth power delivery
- Valve timing and lift were designed for strong low- and mid-range torque
- Direct valve actuation ensures reliable high-rpm operability
- Valves with thin heads and stems reduce reciprocating weight

Carburetor
- Twin Keihin CVK30 carburetors fine-tuned for good power feel and low fuel consumption

Exhaust system
- 2-into-1 system contributes to the Ninja 250R’s low- and mid-range torque and smooth, step-free power curve
- Slightly upswept silencer extensively tested to determine chamber size, connecting pipe length and diameter to achieve least noise and most power
- Meets strict emissions with dual catalyzers; one in the collector pipe and the other in the silencer
- Using two catalyzers minimizes the power loss
- Positioning the first catalyzer as close to the exhaust ports maximizes its efficiency as well

Reduced mechanical noise
- Cam chain tensioner with an automatic adjuster, like that on the KX450F motocrosser, eliminates mechanical noise caused by a loose cam chain and reduces power-robbing friction loss
- Silencing mechanical noise allows the use of a freer flowing exhaust for a better sound quality
- Complex construction with reinforcing ribs helps eliminate airbox reverberation and reduce intake noise
- Air filter accessible from the side, for easy replacement

Liquid Cooling
- Latest generation Denso radiator offers superior cooling with minimal space and weight
- Ring-fan uses a quiet-running motor that also saves space
- Fins on the lower side of the crankcase further helps cool the engine

Six-speed Transmission / Clutch
- Involute splines reduce friction and backlash between gears and shafts for easier gear meshing and smooth shifting under power
- Spring-type clutch damper reduces jerkiness at very low speeds and minimizes shocks when rolling on and off the throttle for a smoother clutch feel
- Paper-base friction plates help increase clutch durability

Chassis
- Sturdy and durable diamond-style frame of thick-walled steel tubing offers confidence-inspiring stability at both high and low speeds
- Beefy swingarm bracket contributes to the frame’s rigidity and helps achieve an ideal chassis stiffness balance
- Square-tube swingarm with a 60 x 30mm cross-section further adds to rigidity

Suspension
- New 37mm telescopic front fork with firm settings contribute to the Ninja 250R’s smooth, stable handling and enhanced ride control
- Uni-Trak rear suspension compliments the rigid frame and re-tuned fork and provides great road holding ability
- Rear shock features 5-way adjustable preload, enabling ride height to be maintained whether riding solo or with a passenger

Wheels / Tires
- Features 17” wheels like its larger supersport brothers
- Low-profile sportbike tires on wide rims contribute to its easy, neutral handling at low speeds

Brakes
- Large-diameter, 290mm front petal disc and a balanced action two-piston caliper offers excellent braking performance and a natural, direct feeling at the lever
- Two-piston caliper grips the rear 220mm petal disc

Ergonomics
- Natural riding position with slightly forward-slanting seat and wide, raised handlebars

Bodywork
- Styling matches its larger-displacement Ninja supersport siblings
- Fit and finish of striking full-fairing bodywork on par with that of top-class Ninja supersports
- Aggressive dual-lamp headlight design, slim tail cowl and separate seats further enhance the supersport look
- Front cowling and windscreen offer the rider a substantial amount of wind protection
- Two helmet holders conveniently located under the rear seat
- Under-seat storage can hold a U-lock or similar device
- Two hooks under the tail and the rear passenger pegs provide anchor points for securing items to the rear of the bike

Instrumentation
- Instrument panel features an easy-to-read, large-face analog speedometer along with an analog tachometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge and warning lights

Source

Specification:-

Engine Type Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin

Displacement 249 cc

Bore & Stroke 62.0 x 41.2mm

Maximum Torque 21.7 Nm {2.21 Kgf/m} 16.0 lb-ft @ 10,000 rpm

Compression Ratio 11.6:1

Carburetor Keihin CVK30 x 2

Ignition TCBI with Digital Advance

Transmission 6-Speed

Final Drive O-Ring Chain

Cooling Liquid

Frame Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel

Rake/Trail 26 degrees / 3.3 in.

Front Tire Size 110/70-17

Rear Tire Size 130/70-17

Wheelbase 54.7 in.

Front Suspension / wheel travel 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork / TBD

Rear Suspension / wheel travel Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® with 5-way adjustable preload / 5.1 in.

Front Brake Type Single 260mm hydraulic disc with two-piston caliper

Rear Brake Single 220mm petal disc with two-piston caliper

Fuel Tank Capacity 4.8 gal.

Seat Height 30.7 in.

Dry Weight 333 lbs.

Overall length 81.9 in.

Overall width 28.0 in.

Overall height 28.0 in.

Color Lime Green, Ebony, Passion Red, Candy Plasma Blue

Warranty 12 months

Good Times™ Protection Plan 12, 24, 36, 48 months

You may also find the following intresting:-
1) 2008 Honda CBR1000
2) Super Bikes Comming soon
3) Yamaha R1 and MT01 in India
4) 2008 Kawasaki Ninja250R
5) Yamaha YZF-R125 VS Honda CBR125 VS Kymco KR Sport
6) Harley Davidson
7) Bajaj acquires stake in KTM
8)2008 Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa

Kawasaki to provide tech for high-end Bajaj engines

Kawasaki tech for high-end Bajaj engines
Swaraj Baggonkar / Mumbai September 13, 2007
Japan’s Kawasaki Motors plans to tap long-time partner Bajaj Auto’s vendors for putting together its high-end motorcycles for the global market.

In return, it will give Bajaj, the Pune-based two-wheeler maker, design and engineering support for building high-end complex engines. Although Kawasaki has been Bajaj’s technology partner for a long time, the two have ruled out joint manufacturing of Kawasaki motorcycles in India.

“We will provide all the support to Bajaj Auto. We will also look to source components from India through Bajaj,” said Hideki Kikuchi, chief of design and R&D, Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

Bajaj is said to be working on high-end engines for its small car, which may be launched in 2009, and also for bigger motorcycles.

“Our partnership with Kawasaki has been very strong and we are on the verge of announcing something very big shortly,” said Rajiv Bajaj, Bajaj Auto’s managing director.
From business-standard

You may also find the following interesting:-
1) 2008 Honda CBR1000
2) Super Bikes Comming soon
3) Yamaha R1 and MT01 in India
4) 2008 Kawasaki Ninja250R
5) Yamaha YZF-R125 VS Honda CBR125 VS Kymco KR Sport
6) Harley Davidson
7) Bajaj acquires stake in KTM